Durango Cowboy Gathering

The Durango Cowboy Gathering, formerly known as the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, is an exciting, fun-filled event with evening performances and Saturday daytime sessions. Poets and musicians from throughout the country will be in Durango this fall performing classic and contemporary poems and songs that will bring tears to your eyes and keep you in stitches.

Cowboy poets and musicians from all across the West will gather in Durango to celebrate poems and songs that capture the spirit of the American West. The Gathering events will take place in various venues around Durango. Don't miss the genuine chuckwagon breakfast on Saturday, September 30 followed by the largest motorless parade in Colorado. Check out the website for the most current information on events, venues and performers.

The Motorless Cowboy Parade

One of the highlights of the Durango Cowboy Gathering is the largest motorless parade in Colorado. This much anticipated event takes place downtown on Saturday morning following a delicious chuckwagon breakfast that begins at 7:30 a.m. The parade starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. The colorful procession does not involve any vehicles—just historic wagons and carriages, lovely ladies & gents dressed in period costumes, buckaroos on stick horses, Native American dancers, and horses, lots of horses as well mules, donkeys, and even a llama or two.

Guided Trail Ride

Friday, September 29: Plan on joining Bears Ranch Stable for a beautiful 2 hour trail ride through San Juan National Forest where you will travel through stunning aspen groves, and enjoy breathtaking views of the San Juan mountains. There is no better way to see Colorado and feel inspired by the scenery than from the back of a horse!  After your ride, you will return to the stable where you will enjoy a delicious cowboy lunch provided by Lone Spur Café. Space is limited. Book early at bearsranch.com or call (970) 844-4049.

Durango Music & Poetry Train on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Friday, September 29: Gather up your favorite cowboys and cowgirls to enjoy true western poets, music, historical narration, and fall foliage when your ride the Durango Cowboy Train. During the journey to Silverton, you will hear poems and songs that may make you laugh and cry. On the return train excursion from you will hear exciting stories about the history of the area and our western heritage presented by professional narrators. Make your reservations now by calling (970) 247-2733.

Other New Events: A "Cowboy Mosey" will take place all day Friday. This event encourages everyone to put on their boots, hats, and other Western-inspired fashion and come to town. Merchants and restaurants are asked to offer specials and bargains to everyone dressed western who wanders through the doors. On Saturday, a petting corral will be open from 8:00 - 11:30 am featuring farm animals for kids 12 and younger. Also for kids 12 and younger, there will be an opportunity for them to ride or pet a horse and have their photo taken. It will take place prior to the start of the Cowboy Parade. And finally, immediately after the parade, Durango Creative District will sponsor a Quick Draw Contest using paint, pens and crayons instead of six-shooters. Find the full schedule of events on the event website.